Crops Affected: Stone fruits in the genus Prunus, including peach, cherry, plum, prune, nectarine, apricot, almond, and ornamentals

States Affected: All states

Life Cycle: The Greater Peachtree Borer has one to two generations annually, with possible two-year cycles in far northern areas. Adult females deposit 400 to 900 eggs on the trunk at the soil-line or around the trunk's base on weeds and litter. Unlike the Lesser Peachtree Borer, most eggs are placed within the lower 6 inches of peach trunks or near the soil on nearby trees. The hatched larvae tunnel into the trunk, large roots, or stems, solely feeding on live cambium and creating tunnels within two inches of the surface. Adult males and females live about five days during which time they do not eat.

Damage: The larvae inflict two types of damage: girdling and inviting plant pathogens to attack weakened trees. Damage occurs on the trunk and major roots just below or above the soil level. Infested trees may exhibit oozing sap mixed with frass near entrance holes on the trunk or lower branches. Pupa skins may be found protruding from the bark. Growers may notice reduced yield and branch dieback. Left untreated, most trees will perish. Young trees may be entirely girdled, while older ones become more vulnerable to other insects and diseases due to severe injuries.

Season to Trap: April and May. Southern states should continue to trap through summer.

How To Use: Hang trap with lure inside at shoulder height near at risk or affected crops. Replace lures every 30 days through the season, and replace traps when 70% saturated. Adult males are attracted to the pheromones in the lure and the color of the traps in this kit. Once they land on the sticky trap, they become ensnared, never to mate or lay eggs again.

Additional IPM Solutions: Avoid practices that destroy or disrupt native beneficial insects. Paint lower trunk with a 1:1 mixture of latex paint and water. Prevent sunscald, mechanical damage, or other injury to the trunk. Larvae can be excised with a sharp knife.